Playing by Alinsky’s rules

May 3, 2014

"Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. ... Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us."

John Hancock

It was recently suggested to me that the Tea Party might do better in waging its war against the socialization of America by fighting fire with fire, so to speak, and using the same devious tactics that some on the left use in their war against the Constitution. An enticing idea, but not viable for several reasons.

First of all, the left owns the media, and the mainstream news outlets would never let us get away with doing the kind of stuff that Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the presidents' minions pull on a daily basis. Could you imagine the media frenzy if the Romney campaign had accused Barack Obama of not paying his taxes? Suppose George W. Bush had blatantly lied about the murder of a U.S. ambassador? Do you think the media that made front page news out of the word "Binders" during the month before the last election and ignored the Benghazi massacre would have allowed that?

Secondly, using underhanded tactics to score political points is dishonorable. It's what the other side does. It's what sparked the Tea Party movement in the first place. Lowering our standards to those of the Alinsky crowd would turn off those on both sides of the aisle who are looking for an alternative to corrupt government. True Constitutionalists can only offer constitutionally sound alternatives to political corruption. We score political points by offering rational alternatives to irrational policy, not engaging in dirty politics.

We have to take the high road. We can't legitimately fight an unconstitutional administration through unconstitutional means. We have to be willing to wade through the mud of a constant barrage of baseless accusations of racism, homophobia and gender discrimination without getting dirty ourselves. We have to be willing to fight a well-oiled political machine with one hand tied behind our backs. A machine for whom winning is the only rule. A machine that is on constant attack mode. A machine that will lie, cheat and steal in order to win. A machine that will call law-abiding Tea Party members "domestic terrorists," while embracing Occupy Wall Street thugs who destroy property and disrupt businesses.

We need to lay out our platform in a simple, straightforward manner. As we watch ObamaCare collapse, we should point out that free markets work better than "hope and change." As innumerable scandals rock this administration, we need to promote the concept of honorable public service and Rule of Law. As we witness the despicable manipulation of political process and the constant barrage of lies and deceit coming out of the White House, we have to remind people of the Judeo-Christian values that are the basis of our Constitution.

We need to draw a distinction between the Democratic party of years past with what it's morphed into today. We need to contrast men of honor and integrity; men like Harry Truman, Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale; to the current Democrat leadership.

I truly believe that a rising tide of outrage is sweeping the nation. People of all political affiliations are absolutely appalled at what's going on in Washington. This is a great time to promote Tea Party principles of Constitutional government, fiscal conservatism and free market economics. They're a great alternative to what's going on in Washington today.

Don't Forget

the Primaries

Disgusted with government? Then get involved! It is estimated that only 14 percent of registered voters will vote in the May 13 primaries. There are some excellent conservative candidates vying for Shelly Capito's Congressional seat, as well as several delegate and senate seats being contested in the Eastern Panhandle.

With such a low turnout expected, a few votes can make a big difference. We should all exercise our right and duty to vote. Do some research and support the candidates that best reflect your values.

The primary election is Tuesday, May 13. Early voting runs through May 9.